Postcard views of Bondi Beach and a glamorous eastern-suburbs crowd make this spot a popular destination for languid afternoon drink sessions and shoulder-rubbing nights on the weekend.
When the head honchos at Ravesi's decided to include a street-level bar as part of its massive 2001 renovation, there was the usual buzz of concern from locals. More noise? More brawny, late-night revellers? More rowdy tourists? But in the few years since it opened its doors, all knickers have been untwisted. This place has been completely embraced as a quintessential part of the Bondi Beach weekend experience.
Along with an honourable mention in the New York Times, Ravesi's enjoys the kind of reputation that draws in a choosy eastern-suburbs crowd. These drinkers are the sort who sport post-modern mullet hairstyles and upturned designer collars. They call a late breakfast 'brunch', a glass of sparkling an 'ice-cold champs' and could perhaps call a miniature dog an 'accessory'.
Smooth house and lounge tunes wash thinly through the setting, and uninterrupted beachside views stretch from beyond the breezy, open windows. The only mischievous force at work here is the cocktail menu. Try to resist the Envious Kiwi, the Singapore Sling or the signature Hurricane drink after a dip in Bondi's tempting waters. The green-eyed Kiwi concoction is especially favoured among locals: it is an unusual blend of muddled kiwifruit, sage and sugar, shaken together with 42 Below kiwifruit vodka, green apple liqueur and white cranberry juice.
Assia Benmedjdoub
